Multifunction data port providing an interface between a digital network and electronics in residential or commercial structures

Abstract

A multifunction data port is located in or attached to the utility meter or the meter box. The installation or removal of the data port requires opening the meter seal. The data port interface can provide broad band access to a digital network and the Internet. It can provide the utility customer with a secure computer terminal for commerce and telecommunications. It can provide the electric utility load management and time of use metering of electrical power.

1 . An interface, connected between a communications network and a utility user's structure, for use with a utility meter, wherein the utility meter collects utility usage information associated with the utility user's structure, comprising:
 a computer coupled to the utility meter for receiving the utility usage information and for providing an interface between the communications network and a device located inside the utility user's structure, wherein the computer is configurable to allow the utility user to control the device.   
     
     
         2 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the communications network is operable to communicate information between a utility company and the computer. 
     
     
         3 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the communication network is selected from the group consisting of: fiber optic cable, a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, electric power lines, and wireless transmission media. 
     
     
         4 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the device located inside the utility user's structure is selected from the group consisting of: an air conditioner, a heater, and a hot water heater. 
     
     
         5 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the computer is configurable to detect a power outage and inform the utility company of the location of the utility user's structure. 
     
     
         6 . The interface of  claim 5 , wherein the computer is configurable to notify the utility user that the utility company has been notified of the power outage. 
     
     
         7 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the utility meter has a housing and the computer is located inside the housing. 
     
     
         8 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the computer is located outside of the utility user's structure. 
     
     
         9 . A method of interfacing a communications network and a device located inside a utility user's structure with a utility meter, wherein the utility meter collects utility usage information associated with the utility user's structure, comprising:
 providing an interface between the communications network and a device located inside the utility user's structure with a computer coupled to the utility meter, wherein the computer is configurable to allow the utility user to control the device.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the communications network is operable to communicate information between a utility company and the computer. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the communication network is selected from the group consisting of: fiber optic cable, a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, electric power lines, and wireless transmission media. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the device located inside the utility user's structure is selected from the group consisting of: an air conditioner, a heater, and a hot water heater. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the computer is configurable to detect a power outage and inform the utility company of the location of the utility user's structure. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the computer is configurable to notify the utility user that the utility company has been notified of the power outage. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the utility meter has a housing and the computer is located inside the housing. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the computer is located outside of the utility user's structure.